Photo by Jenny Walters Photography
West Chester, OH (November 11, 2020)
Lakota West Athletic Department hosted the first college athletic signing event of the year on Wednesday afternoon, the first day of the NCAA National Letter of Intent signing period for all sports, but football. The Firebirds boasted 12 student-athletes signing with their respective schools. Lakota West will host the next signing event on Wednesday, December 16th for early football signees and another on February 3rd. The last signing event of the year for all sports will occur on Wednesday, April 14th. For more information on signing dates, please visit: http://www.nationalletter.org/
Special thanks to Jenny Walters Photography for the photos of the event. Link to Photo Album: https://jennywaltersphotography.smugmug.com/Sports/Sports-Special-Events/Lakota-West-Signing-Days/Lakota-West-Fall-Signing-Day-111120/
Media Coverage:
Cincinnati Enquirer: https://www.cincinnati.com/story/sports/high-school/high-school-sports/2020/11/11/greater-cincinnati-northern-kentucky-2020-fall-national-signing-day/6236968002/
BCHS Sports Report: https://bchssreport.com/coverage-area-student-athletes-put-pen-to-paper-on-national-letter-of-intent-day/
———————————————————————————-
Brooke Brockman-Soccer– Cleveland State University
Brooke is a three year All-Conference selection for the Firebirds. The forward has scored 21 goals and 18 assists since her sophomore season. “Brooke is a 4 year member of this program who has contributed at every level. She has encompassed growth, perseverance, dedication and hard work. She has been a crucial part of this program’s success over the last 2 years especially and will be greatly missed. She was a respected presence on the field and will leave big shoes to fill! We are pumped to see her comeback and her success at Cleveland State!” said Lakota West Head Coach Brigit Reder.
———————————————————————————-
Kailyn Dudukovich-Soccer-Ohio State University
Kailyn goes down as the most decorated female soccer player in school history. While only playing two seasons, she holds the school record for most goals in a career (96) and goals in a season (50). She is a two time conference player of the year, 2019 Miss Ohio-Soccer, NSCAA All-American and 2019 Gatorade Ohio Girls Soccer Player of the Year. In addition, Kailyn is a three-year varsity starter for the Girls Basketball team where she was named the GMC Defensive Player of the Year as a junior. “Kailyn’s long list of accomplishments, stats, and awards won, only skim the surface of what she brings to a team. She has been foundational in our recent success by how she has grown as a leader and brought younger players into the fold. She is a young lady who will step up to any challenge you put in front of her, as a soccer player, as a scholar, and as a young lady off the field. We are ready to stand in her corner as she heads off to The Ohio State Next year!” said Lakota West Coach Brigit Reder
———————————————————————————-
Savannah Grubbs-Soccer– University of Southern Indiana
Savannah is a four-year varsity letter-winner scoring 28 goals and 21 assists in her career. The senior mid-fielder is also a 4-time All-GMC selection. “A rock for this program since her freshman year, making an impact from day one on a talented varsity squad. We are so proud of how Savannah has grown each year, elevating her game, elevating the level of those around her, and finding her identity as an individual on and off the field. Savannah’s energy, bright personality and lightness has been monumental to the cohesiveness of the program. She brings her positivity, work ethic, and dedication to the team every day. Savannah is going to find tons of success at the next level when she joins Southern Indiana, we will miss her!” said Lakota West Coach Brigit Reder.
———————————————————————————-
Julianne Hureau-Soccer– Kenyon College
Julianne is a three year varsity starter playing a large part in 28 shutouts since her sophomore season. “Jules has helped anchor our defensive line over the last 4 years and directly contributed to the tremendous success this program has found over the last two years. She was a crucial part of our backline we will miss! Jules has a heart for this team and the success of others ahead of herself. She has only begun to tap into her potential and we cannot be more proud of her and the continuation of her growth and career at Kenyon College. She is going to continue excelling on and off the field,” said Lakota West Coach Brigit Reder.
———————————————————————————-
Sydney Jones-Soccer– Ohio State University
As a defender, Sydney has set the school record for assists in a game (6), season (27) and career (47). In only two seasons of play, she’s been named 1st team All-GMC twice and 2nd team All-State. “One of the most athletic players in the state of Ohio, Sydney brought another level to the game and this program. She is a player that can impact a game with her physical dominance, technical composure, and clear vision of the field. She is incredibly fun to watch and brings light energy to her teammates on a daily basis. Sydney has only just begun her career and we are so excited to see what’s in store for her at The Ohio State University. She has so much to offer to others, her teammates, her coaches, and the game… we hope she continues showing how wonderful of a young lady she is!” said Lakota West Coach Brigit Reder.
———————————————————————————-
Zach Beneteau–Track/XC–Walsh University
Beneteau cemented his place as the top male XC runner in Lakota West history this year when he broke the Lakota West 5k record with a 15:25.10. His 8th place finish at state is also the highest finish in the history of the Firebirds. Zach is a three-time first team all GMC runner (Runner of the Year 2020) and two time individual regional (2020 District Champion) and state qualifier. He’s also a two-time Academic All-State recipient. On the track, Zach has qualified for indoor state in the 3200 and a state placer on the 4X800 relay squad. “Zach is a strong silent leader type that the other runners look up to and respect. He is also very serious in every endeavor. Between Cole and Zach B., we have two of the hardest workers you’ll find” said Lakota West Head Cross Country Coach Sean Hart.
———————————————————————————-
Coleman Cronk-Track/XC-Florida State University
Cronk wraps up his XC career as the first Firebird runner in school history to earn first team All-GMC all four years. He’s also a 4-time individual regional qualifier, a state qualifier and carries the 3rd best 5k time in school history with a 15:29. Cole was also named Academic All-State his senior season. On the track, Cole has qualified for indoor state in the 1600m and a state placer on the 4X800 relay squad. He also broke the school’s 3200meter record in his first and only attempt in the event. “Cole is an outspoken leader that others also look up to and respect. Cole also has a less serious side to him. Between Cole and Zach B., we have two of the hardest workers you’ll find,” said Lakota West Head Cross Country Coach Sean Hart.
———————————————————————————-
Annika Kinley –Track– University of Cincinnati
Annika established herself as one of the premier high jumpers in the country when she jumped 5’9” (school record) last winter. She finished 2nd at indoor state championships as a junior. In addition to the high jump, Kinley also qualified at indoor state in the triple jump and 400 meter dash. “Annika is a tremendous competitor that has worked tirelessly at her craft. Track and Field Athletes like Annika Kinley don’t come around too often. She will go down as the best female High Jumper in Lakota history. I’m so proud of the athlete and person Annika has become. The best part about Annika is that she always puts the team first. That’s what makes her even better. UC is lucky to have her. I look forward to seeing what she does in the future. She has certainly left her mark here at Lakota West,” said Head Track Coach Brenton Eisenhard.
———————————————————————————-
Kennedy Manning-Lacrosse– Coastal Carolina
As a sophomore, Kennedy led the GMC in saves with 197. “Kennedy has been the rock of the girls lacrosse defense since she stepped in the goal her freshman year. In 2019 she was the GMC co-player of the year, and was a first team all GMC selection. Kennedy also lead the GMC in saves her Sophomore year. All of her coaches are extremely proud of the athlete she has become and wish her nothing but the best at Coastal Carolina!” said Lakota West Coach Kaitlin Jennings-Rosen.
———————————————————————————-
Jacob Beall-Baseball-University of Akron
The 6’3” right handed pitcher was a varsity starter as a sophomore. According to Prep Baseball Report, Jacob is the #26 ranked right-handed pitcher in the state with an 87 mph fastball. “Jacob is a great student, teammate and extremely talented pitcher. He brings a great attitude to the ballpark every day and has only scratched the surface of what he is capable of on the pitcher’s mound. I believe his best baseball days are ahead of him,” said Lakota West Baseball Coach Brad Gschwind.
———————————————————————————-
Grant Miller–Baseball–Ball State University
Grant was the starting shortstop for the Firebirds as a sophomore hitting .270 and a .415 OBP. He also was the team leader with 11 stolen bases. According to Prep Baseball Report, he’s the 18th best 2021 shortstop in the country. “A true leader, he raises the bar for everyone around him in how hard he works and how he carries himself. Ball State is getting a player that is going to continue to get better and outwork those around him,” said Lakota West Baseball Coach Brad Gschwind.
———————————————————————————-
Carter Rust-Baseball-University of Charleston
Carter was called up to the varsity squad at the end of his sophomore season after leading the JV team in hitting. The 6’3” third baseman is ranked the #8 best third baseman in Ohio. “Carter just keeps getting better! From the time we ended last spring until now, he has progressed a lot. Carter is one of those guys who is the first there and last to leave, always looking for ways to get better. I can’t wait to see how he develops at the University of Charleston,” said Lakota West Baseball Coach Brad Gschwind.
